• Sharp pain in the back of the thigh
• Tightness in the hamstring
• Weakness in the leg
• Pain during sprinting or jumping
• Pain when stretching the leg
• Trouble bending forward, Bruising on the back of the thigh
• Swelling in the hamstring
• Stiffness after activity

• A Myotendinous junction injury usually feels like a sudden sharp pain or pulling feeling in the back of the thigh. Some people feel a pop when the injury happens. The area may feel tight sore weak or stiff and it can hurt to run sprint jump bend forward or stretch the leg. Bruising swelling and tenderness may also happen after the injury.

• Overstretching the hamstring
• Running too hard
• Poor warm ups
• Muscle fatigue
• Sudden explosive movements

• Did I feel sudden pain in the back of my thigh during sports?
• Did I feel or hear a pop when the injury happened?
• Does it hurt to sprint jump or stretch my leg?
• Is there bruising or swelling on the back of my thigh?
• Does my hamstring feel tight or weak?
• Is it hard to bend forward or run fast?
• Did the pain start suddenly during activity?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Rest your leg and avoid sports
2. 2Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
3. 3Move gently if pain allows
4. 4Avoid sprinting or jumping
5. 5Stretch lightly only when pain improves
6. 6Return to sports slowly

• Severe pain in the back of the thigh
• A loud pop during the injury
• Major bruising or swelling
• Trouble walking or using the leg normally

• Rest your leg and avoid hard activity
• Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
• Start gentle movement slowly
• Return to sports only when pain is gone